Leatherleaf Coffeeberry California Native Evergreen Shrub

Leatherleaf Coffeeberry

5 Gallon

$62.90

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Leatherleaf Coffeeberry

Rhamnus californica 'Leatherleaf'

A drought-tolerant, textural California native for lush, low-maintenance screens in sun or shade.

$62.90

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Leatherleaf Coffeeberry is a superb, low-maintenance California native evergreen shrub that excels as a lush, textural background or informal screen. It features handsome, elongated leaves with a distinctive leathery texture, glossy dark green tops, and rolled-under margins, creating a uniquely refined appearance. Fast-growing yet tidy, it forms a dense, rounded mound that is exceptionally drought-tolerant once established and thrives in both sun and shade. Its subtle spring flowers attract pollinators, and the clusters of berries that transition from green to red to black provide seasonal interest and food for birds.

Handsome Leathery Foliage: Features elongated, glossy, dark green leaves with a thick, leathery texture and characteristically rolled-under margins.
Fast-Growing & Dense Habit: Grows quickly into a dense, rounded, and tidy shrub, typically reaching 5-8 feet tall and wide.
Exceptional Drought & Shade Tolerance: A champion of California-friendly gardens, thriving with little water once established and performing well in full sun to full shade.
Wildlife Habitat Value: The inconspicuous flowers are a nectar source for bees and butterflies. The showy berries (changing from red to black) are an important food source for birds.
Low Maintenance & Adaptable: Requires no pruning to maintain its attractive shape and is free of major pests or diseases. An ideal, carefree choice for naturalistic hedges, slopes, or under oaks.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Features:Foliage: Long-oval, leathery, glossy, deep green leaves with elegantly rolled-under margins.Flowers: Small, inconspicuous, yellowish-green flowers.Fruit: Ornamental berries that undergo a colorful transformation from green to red to a deep purplish-black, often displayed in multi-colored clusters.Habit: A dense, rounded, evergreen shrub with a tidy, compact form and attractive reddish young stems.
Mature Height: 5-8 ft.
Mature Width: 5-8 ft.
Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast
Light Needs: Full sun to full shade (Highly adaptable)
Key Advantages:Excellent drought and heat tolerance once established.Thrives in sun or shade.Tidy, compact habit requires minimal pruning.Provides food for birds and pollinators.Very low maintenance and adaptable
Landscape Uses:Native and wildlife gardens.Understory planting beneath trees.Hedges and privacy screens.Slope stabilization.Coastal landscapes

Q: How much water does it need once established?
A: It is extremely drought-tolerant. After the first year or two of establishment with regular watering, it can thrive on deep, infrequent irrigation or even no summer water in coastal areas, making it perfect for water-wise landscapes.

Q: Can it be used under native oaks?
A: Yes, it is an excellent understory plant for native oaks (like Coast Live Oak). Its low water needs in summer help prevent oak root fungus, and it tolerates the shade and root competition found under tree canopies.